two excellent lobster dishes in as many days...

Share:

two excellent lobster dishes in as many days...

Finally decided to do a huge splurge and visit Pacific Dining Car downtown and order EVERYTHING I wanted off the menu. I always try to economize by skipping the sides or an appetizer, or a martini...but this time I went whole hog.

First drink was a simple Vodka Martini w/extra olives. It was perfect...not as exciting as the Musso and Frank's version, but smooth as silk and a great appetite teaser. My starter was the "Lobster Appletini" lobster meat on julienned apples with a vodka infused Louis dressing. I often wonder why I order lobster since I'm rarely pleased with the results. Overcooked, rubbery, dry...I've had every bad version of lobster out there. THIS was perfect. Chilled lobster pieces, one claw and substantial bits of tail, all served in a martini glass. Presentation was great, the apple was perfectly tart/sweet/crisp and I'm a huge fan of Louis dressing (I'm old school that way) so I was beyond happy and it was only the beginning.

For my main, I had the Filet Oscar, featuring a filet mignon topped with crab meat, asparagus, and a light bearnaise. Again, I go old school with this stuff...make it rich and I'm happy. The filet was a perfect medium rare, it cut like butter. The crab was 6-7 large lumps of meat, the asparagus was okay...maybe a tiny touch over-cooked, but not by much.

The sommelier wandered the room asking if we needed anything. He had a wonderful air about him and engaged several tables in great conversation about food and wine. My date selected two glasses of a red, I don't know beyond that. The wine was as rich as the meal, I couldn't even finish one glass of it! (sorry I didn't catch the type or name, I'm not much of a wine person.) I had creamed corn and potatoes au gratin as my sides, they were fine but not thrilling.

Ended with the cheesecake, it was a good ending to the meal.

total for one lobster app, one salad, two steak entres with sides, two top shelf cocktails and two glasses of fine was was $170 before tip. Definitely a splurge, but all in all a very nice date.

I love the PDC, the casual but elegant vibe is just perfect. I feel comfortable going there in jeans if necessary, but am always treated very well.

The second lobster dish was this morning, I had the lobster benedict at Hungry Cat. Perfectly poached eggs, delicious fatty pork (not the bacon, that's on the crabby benedict) the hollandaise was just right. I love this place and especially love to go alone and sit at the bar. Rounded out brunch with a blood orange mimosa and their wonderful coffee.

Extra bonus, Jacques Pepin was at a corner table, just a joy to see the man in person and a perfect capper to a gourmet weekend.